Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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271. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding parties who have absconded with international students' moneys following the closure of private English language schools. [47165/14]

Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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272. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the options open to students to recover moneys which were wrongfully taken from them by providers of English language courses when their colleges closed. [47166/14]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 271 and 272 together.

I would advise any international student in the situation outlined by the Deputy to seek legal advice regarding the return of their funds from the private colleges in question. If they booked their course through an agent they should also enquire from that agent as to whether they are entitled to any form of learner protection from them. Students should also make a complaint to the Garda Síochána where they suspect their money has been taken by private colleges on false pretences.